Monday, June 29, 2009

Bizarre Brain Research: Optogenetics

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I reader pointed me to some crazy brain research. Optogenetics.

Optogenetics uses a brain cell switch with two genetic parts. The first is a gene taken from an algae that activates the cell in the presence of blue light in order to turn towards the light and photosynthesis. In a neuron, that activation fires the cell. The second is from an archaeon, a salt-based extremophile, which responds to yellow light by pumping chlorideions. In a brain cell, that means not firing at all.

I wonder how many RVU's that would pay?

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